Our ultimate destination which was Dry Tortugas National Park would be my second visit there. Although an unexpected delay was disruptive to our original plans, Tom and I were able to make a very rewarding multi-day journey which offered observation of several new wildlife species for me.

The Red-whiskered Bulbul above (image 6) was photographed near Baptist Hospital of Miami in May 2015.

The first stop was Chapel Trail (Sheridan Street Mitigation Bank) where Tom was assured that Gray-headed Swamphen would be seen. Sure enough a handful of the species were observed foraging only to disappear into their habitat. The next target species was Red-whiskered Bulbul which had been a fail on previous trips.

The Mitred Parakeet above (image 7) was photographed at Baptist Hospital of Miami in May 2015.

The Mitred Parakeet above (image 8) was photographed at Baptist Hospital of Miami in May 2015.

The Mitred Parakeet above (image 9) was photographed at Baptist Hospital of Miami in May 2015.

The Mitred Parakeet above (image 10) was photographed at Baptist Hospital of Miami in May 2015.

The Tricolored Heron above (image 11) was photographed at Baptist Hospital of Miami in May 2015.

The wildlife activity at the Baptist Hospital of Miami was expected and enjoyable to observe. This venue should not be confused with West Kendall Baptist Hospital, the latter of which significantly lacks wildlife in comparison.

The Green Heron above (image 13) was photographed at Baptist Hospital of Miami in May 2015.

The Spotted Sandpiper above (image 14) was photographed at Everglades National Park in May 2015.

The Osprey above (image 15) was photographed at Everglades National Park in May 2015.

The Prairie Warbler above (image 16) was photographed at Everglades National Park in May 2015.

As a primary objective, we made a trip into Everglades National Park for a sighting of White-tailed Kite. This uncommonly seen species eluded us. To end observations for our first day of the trip, Tom got a good look at a Shiny Cowbird at Flamingo which would become a rare bird alert with its reporting to eBird.

The scene above (image 17) was photographed at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park in May 2015.

The Mystic above (image 18) was photographed at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park in May 2015.

The yoga enthusiast above (image 19) was photographed at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park in May 2015.

The Monk Skipper above (image 20) was photographed at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park in May 2015.

The Red-bellied Woodpecker above (image 21) was photographed at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park in May 2015.

Day two involved an early arrival at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park in Key West. This park is a magnet for warblers in migration and has hosted an Antillean Short-eared Owl and Bahama Mockingbird in recent years.

The aircraft above (image 22) was photographed at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park in May 2015.

The Gray Kingbird above (image 23) was photographed at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park in May 2015.

The Green Iguana above (image 24) was photographed at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park in May 2015.

The Magnificent Frigatebird above (image 25) was photographed at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park in May 2015.

The watercraft above (image 26) was photographed at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park in May 2015.

Walking the trails at the south end of the fort offered deep shade for comfortable observations of an American Redstart. I was unable to capture an image of the bird even with a very diligent effort.

The Brown Pelican above (image 27) was photographed at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park in May 2015.

The Brown Pelican above (image 28) was photographed at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park in May 2015.

The sailboat above (image 29) was photographed at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park in May 2015.

The Barn Swallow above (image 30) was photographed at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park in May 2015.

The juvenile Bald Eagle above (image 31) was photographed at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park in May 2015.

In what is becoming many years of wildlife observation, I had not before seen a Laughing Gull harassing a Bald Eagle. This was a very aggressive and relentless effort on the part of the gull.

The juvenile Bald Eagle above (image 32) was photographed at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park in May 2015.

The juvenile Bald Eagle harassed by Laughing Gull above (image 33) was photographed at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park in May 2015.

The juvenile Bald Eagle harassed by Laughing Gull above (image 34) was photographed at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park in May 2015.

6 comments:

Interesting mix of photos today, I enjoyed it and I look forward to the sequel. In keeping with 'bird' and 'yoga' - did you ever get to see the poses called: Bird of Paradise or Eagle? I always feel special bird connection when I practice these. In any way, shape or form....birding is great!

Thank you, Hemant. There was tremendous luck involved with the observation of the Red-whiskered Bulbul in the Kendall area. Although the species has "very low numbers," it is established and "countable" with the species seen from Kendall to south Miami. The bulbul in the wild today has been attributed to Hurricane Donna that struck Florida in 1960. The Red-whiskered Bulbul's range is otherwise in India to southern China as you know.